Denver is a paradise for sports lovers, offering everything from thrilling professional sports teams to outdoor activities that take full advantage of the city’s stunning natural surroundings. Whether you’re cheering on one of Denver’s professional teams, exploring interactive sports museums, or heading out for a hiking or skiing adventure, the city delivers endless options for athletic excitement. Here’s your guide to making the most of Denver’s professional sports culture and vibrant athletic scene.
Catch a Game: Denver’s Professional Sports Teams
Denver is home to an impressive lineup of professional sports teams, each with a devoted fan base and state-of-the-art stadiums. Empower Field at Mile High hosts the Denver Broncos, where football fans can experience the excitement of NFL games while enjoying a stadium that stands out for its eco-friendly practices. If basketball or hockey is more your style, head to Ball Arena, home to both the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche, where thrilling NBA and NHL action keeps fans on the edge of their seats. For a laid-back summer experience, Coors Field is a must-visit for baseball fans. Home to the Colorado Rockies, this ballpark offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop for America’s favorite pastime.
Unique Sports Attractions
Beyond live games, Denver offers several attractions perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame at Empower Field celebrates Colorado’s athletic history and honors standout athletes with displays and memorabilia. For a truly immersive experience, Altitude Sky Lounge inside Ball Arena provides an upscale sports bar atmosphere with panoramic views of the field, creating the ultimate place to catch pre-game excitement. If you’re up for a physical challenge, try the Red Rocks Climbing Gym or take a guided tour of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where you can explore one of the world’s most iconic music and sports venues, known for its natural rock formations and connection to fitness communities.
Outdoor Activities
Denver’s natural landscape is ideal for those who love outdoor sports and adventure. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate trails like Mount Falcon Park and Lookout Mountain, offering stunning views and varying difficulty levels for all types of explorers. In the winter, Denver serves as a gateway to nearby skiing and snowboarding hotspots, with locations like Echo Mountain and Loveland Ski Area just a short drive away. For biking, the Cherry Creek Trail and South Platte River Trail offer scenic routes that wind through Denver’s beautiful surroundings, allowing cyclists to enjoy both exercise and the city’s natural beauty.
Local Sporting Events and Festivals
Denver’s sports culture extends beyond professional games to a variety of local events and festivals. Each year, the Colorado Classic brings top cyclists to Denver for an exhilarating competition that attracts spectators from around the country. For runners, the Colfax Marathon offers a scenic course that takes participants through downtown Denver, past Empower Field, and even into Denver Zoo. In winter, the Winter Park Resort hosts annual ski and snowboard competitions, drawing in winter sports lovers to witness high-flying tricks and impressive skills. Attending one of these events provides a fantastic opportunity to experience Denver’s energetic sports culture alongside enthusiastic locals.
Golfing in and Around Denver
Golf lovers will find plenty of options in Denver, which boasts a variety of courses with spectacular mountain views and challenging fairways. City Park Golf Course offers a historic 18-hole course with vistas of downtown and the Rocky Mountains, making it a picturesque spot for a round of golf. Arrowhead Golf Club, located just outside the city, is known for its dramatic red rock formations and is frequently ranked among the most beautiful courses in the country. Fossil Trace Golf Club is another popular spot with unique rocky landscapes and ancient fossils that add an intriguing touch to the golfing experience. These courses offer a perfect way to enjoy Denver’s outdoor scenery while improving your golf game.
Plan Your Sports-Filled Getaway
With so many opportunities for sports enthusiasts, Denver offers the perfect blend of action, excitement, and natural beauty. From professional sports teams and local events to outdoor adventures and unique attractions, Denver has something for every kind of sports lover. Make the most of your trip by booking our Denver vacation rentals, where you can relax and recharge in comfort after a day filled with athletic excitement.
